Journey’s ninth studio albums was 1986’s ‘Raised on Radio’ and the second single off the album was “Suzanne” which was written by members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain. The song went to #17 on the U.S. Charts and was one of three Top 20 hits from the album. An album that would reach #4 and sell over 2 million albums going double platinum. The band at the time was really only Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon as Ross Valory was out and during recording, so was Steve Smith which is why you only see 3 guys on the cover of the single.

The song came out in June 1986 and from an album that had 5 total singles. The song was about this guys ex-girlfriend who went on to become very famous and he can’t get her out of his head. Every time he sees here on TV, in the movies or hears her on the radio, he is tormented and can’t stand it. Steve Perry was asked if there was someone real the song was about, he basically said didn’t give a straight answer and said real or not, the girl in the song itself is real.

The version I have of the single is a 7″ Vinyl single and it is a promo as can be seen on the label with the words “Demonstration Not For Sale”. As a result, it is the same song on both sides so no new B-Side here. In the old days, the song would be Stereo on one side and Mono on the other, but by 1986, all stations were basically Stereo so no need for a Mono side.

The song is basically a power pop song with heavy electronic, dance beat elements. There is a heavy electric drum beat throughout, lots of keyboards, layers of them. “Suzanne” is upbeat, fast paced and the chorus is explosive and huge. The verses are a little dark, almost brooding and that chorus just takes it up a notch. Steve Perry’s vocals are so powerful, silky smooth and so engaging. Can a voice be almost too perfect? Not with Steve, he is perfection. Missing from the song is some great Neal Schon guitar work as this is heavy on the synths, almost too much so. But that beat will get you moving.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ptusV5E56aQ%3Fsi%3DVlXp1gU-G7cDpwcj

And there you have it. Another of the 7″ Singles in the collection. I hope you enjoyed the quick little walk through the song. There will be more singles coming in future weeks so don’t worry, this isn’t the last one. I haven’t run out of them yet. But it will happen I suppose.